Looking for the perfect Italian seasoning substitute to complement your meal? This 4-ingredient recipe is delicious, foolproof, and easy to make in a small batch or scale it up for pantry storage. I use the Italian-favorite combination of Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme, with even more substitutions in case you are missing those spices.
This post includes a very simple one-step recipe and frequently asked questions about Italian seasoning substitutes.
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What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian Seasoning is a mix of spices and flavors that are commonly found in Italian cooking.
While labeled "Italian", you won't actually find this spice blend in an Italian supermarket. Most authentic Italian cooking uses only one or two of these common spices. The spices used varies by dish and by the cook's preference.
For that reason, my family doesn't keep Italian Seasoning on hand, but will make this Italian Seasoning recipe as needed for Italian-American cuisine.
What is Italian seasoning made of?
Italian seasoning is made of a combination of spices commonly found in Italian cooking. Typically, these include:
- basil
- oregano
- rosemary
- thyme
- parsley
- marjoram
Some Italian seasonings also include black pepper, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.
To make this Italian Seasoning as simple as possible, we use the 4 most common spices. You can add a pinch each of the others depending on what you have on hand and your personal preference.
Keeping flavors and spices as simple as possible is a key part of authentic Italian cooking.
How to make Italian seasoning from scratch
To make the best Italian Seasoning from scratch:
- Gather dried unground versions of the following spices: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a small jar, mix together 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary, and ½ teaspoon thyme.
That’s it! This recipe will give you 3 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning.
More Easy Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
Missing an ingredient? Here are more quick and easy options:
- A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano. This is a lovely combination that will add that burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
- Herbs de Provence. Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
- Test and try different spices like a true Italian chef. Use your sense of smell to test which spices smell good with the aroma coming from your dish. Try dried basil first, then give oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and garlic powder a sniff. Start by adding small amounts of each spice, tasting in between additions, until you find your perfect flavor!
According to Science World: "Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste." So if it smells good, there's a good chance it will taste good too!
Pro Tip: Hold several spice jars together at once and sniff above them to experience the combination. Or hold one spice at a time near the recipe you're already preparing to smell the new spice with the existing flavors.
Best ways to use Italian seasoning
- Add it to a scramble or frittata
- Sprinkle it over simple chicken dishes
- Use it as a meat rub or marinade
- Sprinkle some over a simple pasta with butter or olive oil. Or use it in our Dairy-Free Vodka Pasta or One Pot Pasta dishes.
- Use it in meatballs
- Add it to pasta sauces
- Sprinkle it over pizza or salad
Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Italian Seasoning.
Use dried oregano as a substitute for Italian seasoning in half or less of the amount called for by the recipe. Most people will find a direct substitution of oregano for Italian Seasoning to be too strong. If you also have dried basil, using a 50-50 split of dried oregano and dried-basil makes a good simple Italian Seasoning substitute.
Herbs de Provence has the most spices in common with Italian Seasoning, and is therefore the most similar spice blend.
Italian seasoning refers to a combination of spices that includes Oregano and several others commonly found in Italian cooking. Oregano is a single spice.
Don't see an answer to your question? Leave it in the comment field at the end of this post and we'll answer it within 2 business days.
More Italian Recipes
These delicious Italian recipes use Italian Seasoning or you can add it as a variation:
And if you're looking to add an Italian dessert to finish off your meal, consider our fan favorite Dairy Free Tiramisu, Italian Hot Chocolate, and Dairy Free Gelato recipes!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!
Easy Italian Seasoning Substitute
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- In a small jar, gently mix all ingredients together.
Notes
More easy Italian Seasoning Substitutes:
Missing an ingredient? Here are more quick and easy options:- A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano. This is a lovely combination that will add the burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
- Herbs de Provence. Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
Noah
Exactly what I was looking for!
Jamie
I'm so glad to hear it Noah! Thank you for the comment.
Brie
I am so happy for this recipe with 4 ingredients that I already have! Worked like a charm in my minestrone soup recipe.
Cory
Perfect for my Italian pasta salad!
Jamie
I'm so glad it worked out!
TerryF
This is a really good seasoning mix. Most recipes I found online for Italian seasoning include chilli pepper flakes, which is very strange because I don’t remember ever any of my Italian friends using that in their seasoning mixes.
Jamie
I agree! Thank you so much Terry 🙂 My Italian grandmother would be so proud!
Monica
I mad this mix and I love it because it's more pungent and fresh tasting and I can mix the best herbs together.
Jamie
I couldn't agree more Monica! Thank you so much.